Following heavy summer rains that led to flooding in northwestern North Korea, over 5,000 individuals were stranded and isolated. The flooding, caused by a swollen river on the Chinese border, prompted a swift response to rescue those affected. Fortunately, there were no reported deaths, although the extent of the damage remains undisclosed.
North Korea is particularly vulnerable to summer floods due to factors such as poor drainage, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure. The recent flooding in Sinuiju city and Uiju town necessitated a large-scale evacuation effort, involving approximately 10 military helicopters, navy vessels, and government boats. The Korean Central News Agency reported that around 4,200 people were rescued through airlift operations.
Leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the rescue mission, emphasizing the importance of swift and effective response to natural disasters. During his visit to the affected region, Kim praised the rescue efforts as 'miraculous' and instructed authorities to provide essential supplies to those impacted by the flooding.
Despite his involvement in the rescue operation, Kim expressed disappointment in officials for their lack of preparedness, citing a failure to heed prior directives aimed at mitigating flood risks. He criticized the emergency response agency and the Ministry of Public Security for their inadequate assessment of the affected populations, resulting in a larger-than-expected number of individuals requiring rescue.
Kim's remarks underscore the challenges faced by North Korea in managing natural disasters amidst ongoing economic difficulties. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive disaster preparedness and effective response mechanisms to safeguard public welfare in times of crisis.
